Ohtani registers 97 mph during batting practice session
Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani said Wednesday that he hit 97 mph on the radar gun while pitching to his teammates during camp, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com.
#Shotime throwing like BP at @Angels camp today. pic.twitter.com/iavOGYzi7x
— FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) February 24, 2021
"I was mostly in the zone with my fastball," Ohtani said through his interpreter. "There's a little brushing up. I need to be more precise, but with this being my first session, I was pretty happy with it."
The 26-year-old added, "There are few things different with the mechanics. But I think the biggest thing is my elbow feels much better compared to last year."
Ohtani pitched just 1 2/3 innings last season before a forearm injury sidelined him for the rest of the campaign. He missed all of 2019 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
The 2018 AL Rookie of the Year posted a 3.31 ERA, 1.16 WHP, and 11 K/9 in 10 starts that year.